Aberdeen to host suicide and self-harm prevention event

A unique event that raises awareness of a leading suicide and self-harm prevention project is coming to Aberdeen for the first time next month.

More than 100,000 people are expected to take part in locations as far apart as the US and Australia for counselling charity Pieta House. All participants will be walking along a 5km route as dawn breaks and torchlight makes way for daylight.

Those taking part in the Darkness into Light event are encouraged to connect with others at the event either by chatting to the person next to them or just saying hello. No one should walk alone.

Aberdeen Darkness into Light organiser, Kate Findlay, said: “Self-harm and suicide is a major issue in Scotland and my aim is to unite the people in Aberdeen and the north-east who have lost a loved one to suicide and those who are surviving their own battles.

“All the money raised at the event helps provide counselling to someone who suffers, it helps prevent a tragedy that has devastated so many families, and it helps people come through their darkest times.”

The first walk was staged in 2009 when 200 people walked across Phoenix Park in Dublin, where Pieta House has its roots.

Darkness into Light Aberdeen will leave from the Robert Gordon University at 4am on 9 May with all proceeds going towards suicide and self-harm prevention through Pieta House.

More information on the Darkness into Light walk is available online here: http://dil.pieta.ie/

_{Picture: RGU Sports President Vinny O’Donnovan, Alasdair Garden and event organiser Kate Findlay.}